Meierite is an extremely rare zeolite-group mineral discovered in the Binn Valley of Switzerland. It typically appears as small, transparent dodecahedral crystals associated with high-grade metamorphic rocks, making it highly prized by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareNone family

Meierite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this meierite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch meierite with a known reference. Meierite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meierite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Meierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Meierite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Analcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Pollucite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside meierite

Minerals reported to co-occur with meierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K₄Sr₄Al₈Si₂₈O₇₂·24H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.26 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Gneiss
Typical price: Expensive; rare collector specimens only.

Where rockhounds find meierite

Classic worldwide localities

Wanni Glacier, Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic gneiss country — that is the host setting where meierite typically forms. If you start seeing sillimanite, quartz, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify meierite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is meierite found?+

Notable localities include Wanni Glacier, Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland.

How much is meierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of Expensive; rare collector specimens only.. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like meierite?+

Meierite is most often confused with Analcite, Pollucite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with meierite?+

Meierite commonly co-occurs with Sillimanite, Quartz, Muscovite, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does meierite form in?+

Meierite typically forms in metamorphic gneiss. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is meierite used for?+

Meierite is used in collector.

Find meierite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.